Ontario - Toronto Police: Con Man Targeting Jewish Women On Subways

Ontario - Toronto police are warning commuters to be on the lookout for a subway scam artist who has been targeting Jewish women in the subways since at least December 2011.

According to a report in the National Post (http://natpo.st/VKLOcC), the con man boards the subway at different stations, including Eglinton, St. Clair, and Glencairn, and identifies the Jewish female passengers. He then tells them he is from Israel and spins a tale of deceit about his financial troubles. The scammer then asks for financial loans and promises to re-pay his unsuspecting victims when he returns to Israel. Each victim then gives him a certain amount of money.

Detective-Constable James Turnbell said, “I’m sure there are probably tons of people who’ve handed him money just believing he is need. . . not thinking twice about it.”

So far, a total of six victims have contacted law enforcement authorities after realizing they had been scammed. Police believe there are additional victims.

The suspect is described as being a “white male, with an olive complexion, between the ages of 45 and 50.” Anyone with information should call the Toronto police at 416-808-1300; Crime Stoppers (anonymously) at 416-222-TIPS (8437); or online at http://www.222tips.com.